The Carnarvon Shire Council faces an uncertain future following a significant loss of its elected members, resulting in an inability to achieve quorum. This predicament arose when the council president, along with five other councillors, resigned within a few days.

Hannah Beazley, the Minister for Local Government in Western Australia, indicated that efforts are underway to address this unusual scenario. With only two councillors remaining, the Shire of Carnarvon, located 890 kilometers north of Perth, is likely to be placed under administration.

Beazley emphasized her commitment to providing clarity to the community. “I have reached out to the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety to obtain guidance on the necessary procedures and forthcoming actions,” she stated. “In the meantime, the administrative functions of the shire will continue to operate and serve the community.”

While it has not been officially confirmed whether a commissioner will take over the council’s responsibilities, Premier Roger Cook expressed his expectation that such an appointment would be made. “It is disheartening to witness a council, with which we had a productive working relationship, deteriorate to the point of being unable to form a quorum,” Cook remarked. He acknowledged various factors contributing to the resignations of the councillors and the shire president, assuring that measures would be implemented to ensure the community’s needs are met.

The series of resignations commenced with Eddie Smith, the former shire president, on May 1. Smith had dedicated nearly twenty years to the council, serving as president since 2019, yet did not provide a specific reason for his abrupt resignation. On Monday afternoon, Amanda Dexter, the Shire of Carnarvon’s chief executive, confirmed that an additional five elected members had also stepped down.

In a statement, the shire acknowledged the gravity and rarity of the situation, assuring the community that they would address any queries regarding the events and the path forward. However, the shire refrained from disclosing individual reasons for the resignations at this time.

Furthermore, the statement indicated that the shire is collaborating with the relevant department to determine the next steps, with any necessary council decisions being managed according to the guidance provided by the minister and the department.

Carnarvon has recently faced numerous challenges, including natural disasters that have severely impacted its horticultural sector, particularly during Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle and the ensuing flooding. The town is set to host the 2026 WA Tourism Conference later this month, welcoming over 150 delegates from across the state.

In her statement, Dexter reassured the community that essential services and ongoing projects would persist under the leadership of the CEO and shire staff. Burke Maslen, the acting Shire President and one of the two remaining councillors, noted the significant contributions made by Smith over his two decades of service. “Sometimes, one must make difficult decisions, but he has accomplished a great deal for the council,” Maslen remarked.

Maslen commended Smith for his dedication to community safety, aged care, and youth initiatives, highlighting his role as a mentor to fellow councillors, including himself. “We wish him all the best. His commitment has been remarkable, and it has required substantial effort from him and his family,” he concluded.